By Sahed Ibrahim

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In order to advance acquisition of digital literacy skills and ensure primary and secondary school students across Ondo state have access to continuous learning during the long vacation, the state government will make available virtual learning classrooms as soon as the 2021/2022 academic session winds up.

The State Commissioner for  Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Olufemi Agagu disclosed this at the grand finale of the 2022 State Digital Quiz competition, held in Akure this week.

The competition, which was organised by the Ministry, in collaboration with Quickens Computers Limited, for both junior and senior public secondary school students in the state was themed “Repositioning Education through Technology”.

Agagu stressed that the importance of ICT in education lies with the demands that society places upon its citizens to produce and find knowledge.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lola Amuda, the Commissioner stated that ICT could lead to improved learning and better teaching methods.

“It is worthy of note that during the lockdown because of the need to curtail the spread of Covid-19 Pandemic, Virtual Learning Classroom was introduced to actively engage all learners both in Primary and Secondary schools across the State.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry is planning to equally make this available during the forthcoming holiday as a window of opportunities for all learners to learn anywhere, anytime and as convenient.

“A research report proved that an increase in the use of ICT in education with integrating technology into the curriculum has a significant and positive impact on student’s achievement.

“The report further confirmed that the students who are continuously exposed to technology through education have better ‘knowledge’, presentation skills, innovative capabilities and are ready to be more involved in learning when compared to their counterparts who are non-digital natives”, he buttressed.

Agagu  stressed that the present administration is investing massively in the education sector to ensure quality education for the youths.

Speaking on the quiz competition, the Education Commissioner said it was to further equip learners in the State to be digitally skillful in order to achieve their full potentials.

“The initiative behind the theme for this year’s edition ”Repositioning Education through Technology” is to deliver hands-on computer literacy and ensuring that leamers in Secondary Schools across the State are gcared towards self-reliant through acquisition of skills in ICT.

“We wish to also use this medium to affirm among leamers the relevance of constant use of ICT. This is because continuous practice is necessary in acquiring expertise in any endcavour.

While saying government alone cannot pilot education, he called on institutions, groups, corporate bodies, individuals and other stakeholders to support the state government in provision of quality education for students in the state, with finance and other resources needed.

While Michael Falayi of CAC Adu Memorial High School, Oke Aro, Akure won the junior school category,  Juliet Awosika of St. Louis Girls Grammar School, Ondo won the senior category at the quiz competition.